This new Android One phone is the iPhone 5C update we’re all waiting for

Sharp’s latest Android smartphone has been designed to pick up where the iPhone 5C left off, offering customers impressive specs in a shell that’s not dissimilar to that of Apple’s affordable iPhone.

The Android One S3 launched in Japan on January 31, where it’s available through independent carrier Y!mobile for ¥32,400 (≈£200) outright – putting it in line with the Moto G4 Plus, Moto G5, Nokia 6 and Xiaomi Mi A1.

In terms of raw specifications, the One S3 isn’t the most impressive of the bunch (that would be Xiaomi’s Mi A1), but it has a trump card: it’s the only handset enrolled in Google’s coveted Android One fast upgrade program.

While we’re on the subject of internals, the Android One S3 is equipped with a 5.-inch Full HD IGZO screen, a Snapdragon 430 CPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable internal storage, a 13MP rear-facing camera and a 5MP selfie shooter.

It’s also armed with USB-C and has an IP68 waterproof rating – both features that tend to skip the budget market – though it’s missing a fingerprint reader, so customers will need to adopt an ol’ fashioned password, pattern or PIN.

There’s no word on whether Sharp is planning to bring the Android One S3 to other countries.

Do you like the sound of Sharp’s Android One S3? Is it something you’d be interested in? Be sure to let us know over on Facebook or Twitter @TrustedReviews.

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